Thank you Peekskill residents for your vote of confidence on November 3rd. I am pleased to continue serving alongside Drew Claxton, Deputy Mayor Bennett, Councilwoman Riley and Councilmen Schuder and Torres and I am thrilled that we are joined by newly elected Councilwoman McGowan. This was a significant mandate on the work we have been doing and the work we plan to do the next two years.
 
This election season was truly inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone who answered a door or came to a political forum to talk to us. Your dedication to seeing Peekskill become all it can be motivates me to set and achieve higher goals.
 
We have worked hard to improve the quality of life in everyone’s neighborhood and to revitalize our downtown; we are proud of what we were able to accomplish in less than 2 years. We acknowledge the significant challenges ahead of us but also see the wonderful opportunities these challenges offer us. As a team, working with all of our residents, we will build a brighter, livelier, more economically robust Peekskill. Your participation in all of our planning efforts is beginning to pay off as we begin building the Lincoln Depot Plaza, Peekskill Landing, the Riverfront trail way, Walgreens, and the Main Street Commons. We hope that you will continue to participate in the community meetings for the Central Ave./ Water Street corridor and the Central Firehouse. Your participation is vital to the City’s success.
 
In the midst of all of this revitalization and promise we remain fiscally prudent and mindful of the tax burden everyone already bears. We are a financially healthy city and the Council and I are working to preserve city resources without increasing your tax burden. We cut city taxes in 2009 and will keep them flat in 2010 and are analyzing 2011 projections. We are also working with the school district and the county to cut costs and share services.
 
I appreciate your vote of confidence in the job we have been doing and I am honored to continue serving you for the next 2 years.
 
Mary F. Foster
Mayor